Bainbridge Deputy Finance Director Hands In Resignation

The city's deputy finance director resigned this week after just over a year on the job.

Carol Badzik's resignation is the latest in a series of senior management departures from the city.

While Badzik declined to say why she is leaving, her boss, Finance Director Elray Konkel, hinted that Badzik has been frustrated with the long, drawn-out processes that have become a distinguishing feature of Bainbridge city government.

"When you put in 60 or 70 hours a week, you want to see it produce something," Konkel said. "The good people... the really hard-working people are finding it difficult to stay."

Badzik has devoted much of the last six months to the city's capital facilities plan, which outlines new spending for public construction projects. Initially scheduled for final approval late last month, City Council deliberations and alterations have pushed the plan's likely approval into December.

Badzik's departure is like "losing my right arm," Konkel said.

"She was everything you want in a deputy," he said. "She provided needed depth and versatility. She will be sorely missed."

City Council Chairman Bill Knobloch said he was "extremely disappointed" to hear Badzik is leaving the city.

"She was an asset for the government because of her attitude and professionalism," he said. "She was a dynamic addition to the finance department."

Knobloch said Badzik's resignation "raises serious questions about finances at the city," adding that recent revenue shortfalls and other financial challenges could explain the departure of Badzik and other senior staff.

Badzik will begin a new job as finance director for the Seattle-based Professional Bowlers Association shortly after July 15, her last day with the city.

A Bainbridge resident for over 10 years, Badzik was the chief financial officer for the Washington Wine Commission before taking a job as a budget analyst for the city in April 2007. Two months later, Badzik was promoted to the newly created deputy finance director position.

Badzik, a certified public accountant, has served financial management roles for state and federal agencies.

"I leave the city with the utmost respect for Finance Director Elray Konkel," she said. "He is by far the best boss I've ever had, and the professional management of this organization is very impressive."

Badzik's departure follows shortly after the resignation of Planning Director Greg Byrne, whose 16-month tenure ended in April. Other recent resignations include City Administrator Mary Jo Briggs, who left in January, and Winslow Tomorrow project manager Sandy Fischer, who departed in the spring of last year.